Ellen Halbert endured a horrific assault in her Texas residence when an 18-year-old intruder entered and attacked her with a large hammer and knife. This incident in 1986 forever changed Halbert’s life, as the assailant had been hiding in her attic in a ninja outfit, waiting for her family to leave. When her husband went to work and her son was away, she was ambushed after taking a shower.
Confronted by the young man in ninja attire wielding a massive hammer and an exceptionally large knife, Halbert tried to make him leave. However, he overpowered her, tied her up, and subjected her to two hours of unspeakable violence, including rape, multiple stabbings, and hammer strikes. The severity of the attack was evident by the eight to ten areas of impact on her head as estimated by the surgeon who treated her.
The attacker continued his brutality by stabbing her numerous times on her neck and chest before making a final vicious move by stabbing her in the head and forcibly removing the knife. Leaving her for dead with an $800 check he forced her to write, he believed he had succeeded in ending her life. Despite the ordeal, Halbert managed to survive, reaching out to her parents for help after the attacker fled.
Her parents quickly responded, calling the authorities for assistance. Within days, the assailant was apprehended while trying to cash the check he had coerced Halbert into writing. The aftermath of the assault led to a challenging recovery journey for Halbert, involving multiple surgeries to address the wounds inflicted on her head and neck.
In addition to the physical injuries, she faced mental health struggles due to the trauma endured. Halbert expressed the profound impact of the violence, recounting the devastation she felt across all aspects of her being. Testifying against her attacker in court, she sought justice, although the trial did not result in rape charges. Despite this, the assailant was convicted of attempted murder and received a life sentence.
The road to recovery was arduous for Halbert, leading to the dissolution of her marriage and the loss of her job. Through connecting with fellow survivors and undergoing therapy, she eventually found healing and strength. Determined to emerge stronger, she dedicated herself to advocating for victims of violent crimes, serving on the Texas Board of Criminal Justice and participating in programs like Bridges to Life, where survivors share their stories with inmates to foster understanding of the impact of their actions.
In the wake of this life-altering event, Halbert continues to work towards restoring justice for victims of violent crimes, contributing to initiatives aimed at promoting awareness and empathy among offenders.